RNA in control

Posted by Megan Scudellari
[Entry posted at 17th July 2008 07:55 PM GMT]

An ancient RNA molecule is the answer to a bacterial mystery,
according to a study published in Science tomorrow (July 18). Researchers
have identified the binding molecule of a key messenger in bacteria, but to
their surprise, the molecule was not a protein -- traditionally thought of
as regulators of cellular processes -- but a unique RNA trigger.

In the last six years, RNA triggers, called riboswitches, have emerged
as surprising regulators of gene expression -- a role previously ascribed
almost exclusively to proteins. "I think if in 2001 you were proposing that
bacteria were loaded with flavors of riboswitches" that manipulate genetic
expression, said Ron Breaker of Yale University and senior author of the
paper, "you'd lose all scientific credibility."